Publisher's Summary

Most personal and organizational problems are the result of a little-known problem called "self-deception". We deceive ourselves into thinking we're doing the right thing for the right reason, but people won't follow a leader whose motives are selfish. The tricky thing is, we don't know that our motivation is flawed. Through an entertaining and highly instructive story, this audio shows what self-deception is, how people get trapped in it, how it undermines relationships and organizational achievement, and, most importantly, the surprising way to solve it.

The Arbinger Institute is a consulting firm and scholarly consortium that includes people trained in business, law, economics, philosophy, the family, education, and psychology. Arbinger has worked with leaders from such major organizations as Microsoft, 3M, Cornell University, and the U.S. Navy.

To be kind, I would say that the principles written are sound, relevant, and important. However, the narration and delivery are distracting... bordering on amateurish.

The basic concept of the book is:
1. Treat others as indivual people with individual needs, flaws, and dreams
2. Do the right thing by others, for others
3. Once you recognize the joy to be had in THAT moment, then
4. Re-examine other people in that new light
5. Repeat

I would recommend any book by Patrick Lencioni for a far better read and equally sound principles

18 of 18 people found this review helpful

Minna

01800 KlaukkalaFinland

10/09/05

Overall

"Life-changing listen"

Even though the style of the book seems a bit childish, it has the advantage of getting through to my self defencive ways of thinking. I've read many other books about leadership, but no other has come even close to diagnosing my biggest obstacle for success: the lack of respect and compassion for my fellow workers. Listening to this book has helped me to unlearn my self destructive ways of thinking, and it just seems that life has become a lot more enjoyable, not only for me but also for those around me. I'm 37 years of age - yet can identify with the "young" person those more mature people are trying to share their insights with. I only wish somebody had given me a copy of this book 15 years ago. Who knows where I'd be by now, if I had learned these very, very basic lessons back then?

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

C S

Centerville, UT, USA

5/02/05

Overall

"Fantastic Listen!!! A MUST HAVE!!!"

This is one of those books that you will listen to over and over. I have it in print format and have referred it to well over 10 people who have all purchased it and thanked me for the referral. You will not be let down with this one, and must have for every library! If you are into bettering your life, this is a great way to get insights!

12 of 13 people found this review helpful

Paul

Nr MarlboroughUnited Kingdom

20/07/05

Overall

"Reflective and thought provoking work"

After getting used to and accepting the way in which it is presented I found the message in this book life-changing. I like the idea of backing up the audio version with the written one because you do need to revise and revisit particular areas. This book makes you look at your life and take personal responsibility for all of your actions. Not an easy lesson but one that will make you a better person individually and socially if you absorb its contents. Enjoyable and enlightening, it is definitely worth a listen!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Mike

Maricopa, AZ, USA

15/02/05

Overall

"GREAT READ!"

This is one of the best books on Corporate Culture and Leadership I have ever read. I listened to it 4 times, taking notes on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th times. Great Listen!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

James

Gilbert, AZ, USA

31/10/07

Overall

"Must read"

If anyone has ever told you they "have a problem with you", you have to read this book. This book unfolds like a novel but (at least for me) gave me that "a-ha" moment to show me where I am messing up in the way I communicate with others in the world.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

brett kronenberger

6/02/05

Overall

"Great Book"

I enjoyed this book. It was not my favorite format but the ideas were helpful.
Brett

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Brenda

4/02/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Not impressed"

Would you try another book from The Arbinger Institute and/or William Dufris?

I can't say- I don't know if the context of all the books are similar to that of this one. But I am not enjoying this book in any way.

What could The Arbinger Institute have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Yeah- the voices are ridiculous, the narration is dreadful and the fact that the entire book is a story really robs the content of its lasting impression

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I feel like the narrator actually made the book sound silly when imitating the other voices which is one of the factors that makes this book so unpleasant for me.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment. I was hoping for pragmatic and tactile information to apply in Leadership- the concept is interesting but doesn't make a long lasting impression in my line of work.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Shane

San Tan Valley, AZ, United States

9/04/12

Overall

Performance

Story

"(i needed this )"

Any additional comments?

this is another book that needs to be applied in our children’s education today one must not even graduate until this book has been read. A must have for all my Executives & Insurance Professionals

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Larry

Ammon, ID, United States

27/03/12

Overall

Performance

Story

"Life Changing (if you let it)"

Would you consider the audio edition of Leadership and Self-Deception to be better than the print version?

I have both the paper and audio. The audio is superior to print. The print seems to put people to sleep but the audio is much better.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Be a better you!

Any additional comments?

I have listened to this twice and will listen to it again. I actually read one bad review of this before I bought it. I am glad I didn't listen to that one bad report. I highly recommend this book.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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Chelle :o))

uk

29/07/10

Overall

"IT GETS GREAT REVIEWS FOR GOOD REASON!"

THIS IS AN ENTERTAINING READ WHICHEVER WAY TOU LOOK AT IT. THERE ARE MANY MOMENTS OF CLARITY AND MANY WHERE YOU NEED TO PONDER. THIS BOOK COULD POTENTIALLY HELP YOU WITH DIFFICULT SITUATIONS EITHER PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL, SOME ARE HARD TO SWALLOW, BUT IT WOULD NOT BE RIGHT IF THEY WEREN'T. WORTH EVERYONE OF THE FIVE STARS.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Andrew

BanchoryUnited Kingdom

22/12/08

Overall

"One for the long commute"

More of a novel than a business book, but some interesting points made "inside" and "outside" the box. if you're looking for an academic challenge, move on. If not, it fills the hours of a long commute.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bogdan

East Molesey, United Kingdom

9/11/08

Overall

"Great book"

I great listen, very useful and entertaining, if its leadership or relationship help this book tell you very clearly there is little difference if you want to succeed in both be honest with yourself.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

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